111020 – World Status Report

This report intends to give the UTD Community a snapshot of international risks, and other issues as reported by the linked official sources from the U.S. and other countries.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.

Avoid Nonessential Travel

Conflict and Terrorism

• Armenia * GOV.UK * The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advise against all travel: within 5km of the full eastern border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, along the M16/H26 road between the towns of Ijevan and Noyemberyan.

Take Enhanced Precautions

Conflict and Terrorism

• Armenia * GC.CA * Since September 2020, armed clashes have been occurring between Armenia and Azerbaijan. There are reports of attacks on the civilian population and casualties, inside and outside of the conflict zone of Nagorno–Karabakh. Armed forces have been mobilized and the tense situation could heighten the risk of an ongoing and widened conflict. Armenian authorities have declared martial law. Certain airlines have temporarily suspended their services to and from the country. If you are in Armenia: avoid all travel to the region of Nagorno–Karabakh, the surrounding areas and within 5 km of the border with Azerbaijan, monitor local media for the latest information, follow the instructions of local authorities, contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans. Armenian authorities have declared martial law. Armenians males between the ages of 18 and 55 are not allowed to exit the country. Exceptions might be granted upon special request. You should confirm current regulations with Armenian authorities before travelling to Armenia.
• Austria * GC.CA * There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. On November 2, 2020, terrorist attacks were carried out in Vienna and caused several casualties. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.
• Austria * GOV.UK * On 2 November 2020, a terrorist attack occurred in Vienna across multiple sites causing four civilian deaths and multiple injuries. The gunman was killed by the authorities.
• Azerbaijan * GC.CA * Azerbaijani authorities have declared martial law across the country. A curfew is in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Naftalan cities, as well as in Absheron, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Aghjabadi, Beylagan, Aghdam, Barda, Tartar, Goranboy, Goygol, Dashkasan, Gadabay, Tovuz, Shamkir, Gazakh and Aghstafa districts. Authorities could restrict telecommunication services and suspend flights to certain destinations.
• Cameroon * GC.CA * There’s a threat of terrorism. Since June 2020, several incidents involving improvised explosive devices have been reported in Yaoundé. These devices have been concealed in public places and detonated remotely. The explosions resulted in several injuries. Remain vigilant at all times, but especially in public places such as : restaurants, bars, and cafes, Shopping malls and markets, Tourist attractions, Hotels and other places frequented by foreigners. Targets could include the following locations: government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks.
• Ethiopia * GOV.UK * The Ethiopian Federal Government have declared a State of Emergency in Tigray Regional State, following military clashes in Tigray Regional State and northern Amhara Regional State. You should exercise extreme caution in Tigray and northern Amhara, comply with local authorities and monitor local media for further information. Land borders may be closed. Flights to Mekele, Shire and Axum have been suspended. You should contact your airline prior to your journey. Mobile networks and internet connections may be disrupted.
• Ethiopia * GOV.AU * The Government of Ethiopia announced military action against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and declared a State of Emergency in the National Regional State of Tigray. Monitor the media, avoid crowds or protests and follow instructions issued by the authorities.
• Mozambique * GOV.AU * Terrorism is a threat in Mozambique. In mid-August, insurgents attacked and seized control of the port town of Mocimboa da Praia. Terrorists are likely to target westerners and western interests, particularly in Cabo Delgado province. Do not travel to Cabo Delgado due to the threat of terrorism, and ongoing clashes between armed groups and security forces. Be alert and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Switzerland * GOV.UK * There’s a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.
• Turkey * GOV.AU * The US Government has warned of credible reports of potential terrorist attacks and kidnappings against US citizens and foreign nationals in Istanbul, as well as potentially other locations in Turkey. Exercise heightened caution in locations where foreigners may gather. Turkey has largely reopened its international land, sea and air borders. Many scheduled international flights have resumed. Everyone arriving into Turkey will be subject to medical checks. The wearing of face masks is mandatory at all times outside the home throughout Turkey. Localised lockdowns or curfews may be in place.
• United Kingdom * GOV.AU * The UK Government has raised its terrorism threat level to severe, meaning it assesses an attack is highly likely. In response to COVID-19, new national restrictions are in place across the UK. You should avoid travelling in or out of your local area and you can only leave your home for specific reasons (see ‘Travel’). These new restrictions will not prevent you from returning to Australia. If you intend to leave the UK but haven’t been able to because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to COVID-19, and you have a visa or leave that expires between 1 November and 30 November, you can request additional time from the UK Government to stay (see ‘Visas’).

Demonstrations and Social Unrest

• Belarus * GOV.AU * Belarus has closed all road, rail and river borders. Foreign citizens can only enter Belarus through Minsk National Airport. Large demonstrations are occurring following the Presidential election. Protesters have clashed with security forces. There has been casualties and protesters have been detained. Further demonstrations could occur without notice and turn violent. Avoid the area and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Chile * GOV.UK * The following Santiago districts have in the past been the focus of strong protests: the boroughs of: Providencia, Santiago Central, Huechuraba, Estacion Central, Ñuñoa, San Joaquin, Renca, La Pintana, Macul. Downtown university neighbourhoods can also be the location of large demonstrations which may become violent after dark. Please be particularly aware of possible disturbances in those areas. In the Araucanía Region, especially in Temuco, there has recently been some civil unrest including attacks against security forces, property, people, vehicles and industrial equipment by groups of demonstrators. You should exercise caution while travelling in the Araucanía Region.
• Côte d’Ivoire * GC.CA * The situation is volatile and unpredictable in Côte d’Ivoire following the presidential elections held on October 31, 2020. A ban on demonstrations is in place until November 15, 2020.
• Georgia * GC.CA * Political demonstrations take place regularly in Georgia, especially in Tbilisi. Following recent parliamentary elections, demonstrations led by opposition groups could take place on November 8, 2020.
• Georgia * GOV.UK * The political situation in Georgia is generally calm, but demonstrations and opposition rallies can occur, particularly outside Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue and Freedom Square in Tbilisi, as well as in other large towns. The opposition continue to call for demonstrations to protest the conduct and results of the 31 October Parliamentary elections. Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi is a popular venue, but rallies may be held elsewhere and can escalate without warning. You should check local media, stay away from any large gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities.
• Lebanon * GOV.AU * The 4 August explosions have caused widespread damage and casualties in Beirut. Hospitals are under strain. Protests are taking place in Beirut, some of which have turned violent. Avoid protests and Beirut’s port area. Confirmed cases of COVID-19 are increasing. Local authorities have announced restrictions including a night-time curfew and closure of some venues. Masks are mandatory in public; you’ll be fined if you don’t wear one. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities. Remain alert and contact your family and friends to let them know you’re safe. If you’re unable to reach them or need urgent consular assistance call the Embassy or our 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305.
• Myanmar * GOV.AU * Myanmar’s national election is scheduled for 8 November. A blast occurred at the office of the Bago Region Election Commission on 6 November. Avoid large public gatherings and monitor local media (See Safety). A Stay-at-Home order is in place for Rakhine State and several Yangon Townships. Further movement restrictions, including curfews and quarantines, may be introduced in other parts of the country at short notice. Follow the advice of local authorities, including compulsory wearing of masks, and monitor media closely. International commercial flights into Myanmar remain suspended. There are limited flights departing Yangon. Contact you airline or travel agent directly.
• Tanzania * GC.CA * The situation remains volatile and unpredictable in Tanzania following the presidential elections held on October 28, 2020. Demonstrations could occur. If you’re in Tanzania: remain cautious, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.
• Thailand * GOVT.NZ * It is anticipated that protest rallies in Bangkok and other provinces around Thailand will continue over the coming weeks.  These rallies may be announced at short-notice with exact locations often not confirmed until shortly before the protests start.   In recent days, “flash mob” style demonstrations have been held simultaneously at different sites. Parts of Bangkok’s public transport and road networks have been disrupted or closed during the protests in recent days.  Given a heightened risk of disruption, clashes and possible violence around the protest rallies, we strongly advise New Zealanders to avoid large gatherings, rallies or demonstrations. New Zealanders in Thailand are also advised to exercise caution and monitor the media to stay informed of developments; and to comply with any instructions issued by the local authorities. There are strong ‘lese majeste’ laws in place in Thailand.  These laws make it a criminal offence to criticise or defame the Thai monarchy in any form, including on social media. These laws are enforced strictly in Thailand and we strongly advise New Zealanders in Thailand to refrain from making any statements and/or take actions on social media that may breach Thai laws.

Health

• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 1-7 November 2020, week 45 * West Nile Virus. Between 30 October and 5 November 2020, EU Member States reported seven human cases of WNV infection: the Netherlands (5), Spain (1) and Germany (1). These cases were reported from areas that have already been affected during the current and/or previous transmission seasons. This week, no deaths were reported. EU neighbouring countries reported 17 human cases of WNV infection, all were reported by Israel. According to Israeli health authorities, the first case of WNV infection in Israel was reported from Eilat in July this year. The following 16 cases were reported between August and October. Up to 20 October, the number of cases of WNV infection this year has been significantly lower than the average for the years 2011 to 2019 in the corresponding period. Spanish health authorities have officially declared the outbreak in Andalusia to be over.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 1-7 November 2020, week 45 * Influenza. Influenza activity remained at interseasonal levels. Influenza viruses were detected sporadically in specimens from persons with respiratory illness presenting to primary medical care. Both influenza type A and type B viruses were detected in sentinel and non-sentinel source specimens. There were no hospitalised laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reported for week 44/2020.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 1-7 November 2020, week 45 * Influenza A(H9N2). Since the CDTR update on 2 October 2020, an additional human case of influenza A(H9N2) has been reported in China. The case is a three-year-old girl from Zhuhai, Guangdong province. She was admitted to hospital on 12 October 2020 after onset of illness the same day. The patient had mild symptoms and recovered fully. Contact with domestic poultry was reported. No further cases were confirmed among the contacts of this case.
• Multi-country * Communicable disease threats report, 1-7 November 2020, week 45 * Poliomyelitis. Since the previous update and as of 3 November 2020, 176 cases of polioviruses (WPV1, cVDPV1 and cVDPV2) have been reported, four of which were caused by the WPV1 strain, two by the cVDPV1 strain and 170 by the cVDPV2 strain. Wild poliovirus (WPV1): One case of AFP caused by WPV1 has been reported in Afghanistan. Three cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) caused by WPV1 have been reported in Pakistan. 23 WPV1 environmental samples have also been detected: 20 in Pakistan and three in Afghanistan. Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV): Two new cases of AFP caused by cVDPV1 have been reported in Yemen. 170 cases of AFP caused by cVDPV2 have been reported from 15 countries: Afghanistan (34), Burkina Faso (24), Mali (21), Cote d’Ivoire (19), Pakistan (16), Sudan (16), South Sudan (12), Chad (10), Somalia (5), Democratic Republic of the Congo (4), Ethiopia (4), Cameroon (2), Central African Republic (1), Congo (1) and Nigeria (1). No new cases of cVDPV3 have been reported. Eight cVDPV2 environmental samples have also been detected: three in Afghanistan, two in Somalia, one in Benin, one in Cameroon and one in Nigeria.

Natural Disasters and Climate

• Algeria * ECHO Daily Flash of 09 November 2020 * Forest fires. On 6-7 November, several forest fires broke out across 10 of the 48 Provinces of the country, particularly in Tipaza Province, leading to casualties and damage. According to media reports 2 people have died in Tipaza Town, 57 km west of Algiers and 15 people have been evacuated. The authorities deployed more than 50 firefighters from Algiers. According to the JRC Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), the fire danger forecast is from low to very high over most of northern Algeria on 10-11 November.
• Bahamas * GC.CA * Tropical Storm Eta will be passing through the Bahamas around November 8, 2020. The storm is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Belize * GC.CA * Tropical Depression Eta will be passing through Belize as early as November 5, 2020. The depression is likely to bring excessive rainfall and violent winds. It may cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. A flood warning is in effect for the following districts: Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek, Toledo. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Central America, The Caribbean, USA * ECHO Daily Flash of 09 November 2020 * Tropical Cyclone ETA update. After making landfall over central Cuba, Tropical Storm ETA reached the Florida Keys islands and its center was located approximately 40 km north-west of Marathon (Florida Keys). It is forecast to strengthen, as it moves west over the Straits of Florida, then it is expected to move north and make landfall over western Florida. Hurricane and storm surge warnings are in effect for the Florida Keys and tropical storm warnings were issued for the north-western Bahamas and the central coast of eastern and western Florida. The passage of ETA caused several fatalities and damage, over 3 million people have been affected across Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Belize. In Panama, rainfall triggered landslides, which affected about 1,000 people, in the north-western Ngäbe Buglé indigenous territory. The Governments of Honduras and Panama submitted a request for the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EU CPM) on 7 and 8 November, respectively. During the passage of ETA through Cuba, rivers overflow and flooding have been reported and 74,000 people have been evacuated.
• Costa Rica * GOV.UK * Hurricane Eta, which struck Central America on 4-5 November has caused flooding and landslides to occur in several areas, causing closures on key routes. You should plan any essential travel carefully. You should monitor local travel reports and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre, who also publish key messages. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
• Cuba * GC.CA * Tropical Storm Eta passed through central Cuba on November 7, 2020. It may still cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services:  transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Europe * ECHO Daily Flash of 09 November 2020 * Floods and flood warnings during the last 24 hours reported by national services. Finland: threshold level 2/3 exceeded for one station in Kiantajärvi. Georgia: threshold level 2/2 exceeded for Tskhenisckali – Ludji station.
• Mexico * ECHO Daily Flash of 09 November 2020 * Floods and landslides. Heavy rain due to the influence of Hurricane ETA affected the southern States of Mexico (particularly Chiapas, Tabasco and Veracruz) over the past few days, causing floods, triggering landslides and leading to casualties and damage. According to media reports, 27 people have died (22 in Chiapas and 5 in Tabasco), more than 90,000 people have been affected and almost 3,700 houses damaged. Evacuation centres have been set up across Chiapas and Tabasco State. On 9-10 November light to moderate rain is expected over southern and south-eastern States. The European Commission’s Copernicus emergency satellite mapping system was activated on 8 November (EMSR479) to support the damage assessment and one map has been produced so far.
• Nicaragua * GC.CA * Major Hurricane Eta recently passed through Nicaragua. It may still cause flash flooding and landslides and could severely disrupt the following essential services: transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services, medical care. Avoid any unnecessary travel through the affected areas. If you reside in the affected areas, you should exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Nicaragua * GOV.UK * Hurricane Eta, which struck Central America on 3-5 November, has caused flooding and landslides to occur in many areas. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre who also publish Key Messages. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. You should plan any essential travel carefully.
• Pacific region * ECHO Daily Flash of 09 November 2020 * The Pacific island countries (including Papua New Guinea, Fiji Islands, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands and Vanuatu) rank among the world’s worst affected in terms of casualties and people impacted by disasters. The Pacific is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world in terms of the recurrence, severity and scope of natural hazards, with high exposure to cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, tidal surges, landslides, droughts, forest fires and volcanic eruptions, in addition to epidemics. Overall, the EU has provided more than EUR 18.8 million in humanitarian assistance to the region since 2008, of which EUR 12.4 million has supported disaster preparedness programmes in the Pacific.
• Turkey * GC.CA * On October 30, 2020, an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 occurred in the Aegean Sea north of the Greek island of Samos and was felt in Izmir, on the west coast of Turkey. Aftershocks continue to occur in the region of Izmir. Buildings and infrastructure have been severely affected by the earthquake. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing. If you are in or around the affected areas; monitor local media for updates on the situation. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia * ECHO Daily Flash of 09 November 2020 * Tropical Storm ETAU. After passing through Visayas, Southern Luzon and Mindoro Regions (central Philippines) on 6-8 November, Tropical Storm ETAU is moving westwards over South China Sea, and on 9 November, its center was located approximately 440 km east of Tuy Hoa (Phu Yien, central-south Vietnam), with maximum sustained wind of 65 km/h. ETAU is forecast to strengthen as it makes landfall south of Tuy Hoa in the evening of 9 November, with maximum sustained wind up to 85 km/h. After that, ETAU is expected to weaken as it moves west, overland, reaching central-eastern Cambodia on the morning of 10 November. On 9-12 November, heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong wind are expected for central-southern Provinces of Vietnam. Locally heavy rainfall is forecast over northern, and western Cambodia on 10-11 November.
• Zimbabwe * ECHO Daily Flash of 09 November 2020 * Severe weather. Heavy rain and strong wind affected Manicaland Province (eastern Zimbabwe) over the last week, causing floods and leading to casualties and damage. According to media reports, 2 people have died (one in Chipinge Town and another in Odzi village), houses, crops, bridges and a school were severely damaged. On 9-10 November, moderate rain is forecast across southern Provinces and on 11 November, moderate to heavy rain is expected across most parts of the country including Manicaland Province.

Other

• Europe * GOV.UK * The UK has left the European Union. The rules on travel to EU countries will stay the same until 31 December 2020. The rules for British Citizen passport holders travelling or working in Europe will change from 1 January 2021: you will be able to travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. If you are travelling to Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel would count towards the 90-day limit. To stay for longer, to work or study, for business or for other reasons, you will need to meet the entry requirements set out by the country. This could mean applying for a visa and/or work permit. You should check with the Embassy what type of visa and/or work permit, if any, you will need. If you are in country with a visa or permit, your stay will not count towards the 90-day limit. The 90-day limit for visa-free travel will begin on 1 January 2021. Any days you stay in Schengen countries before 1 January 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit. 
• Nigeria * GOV.UK * The Nigerian High Commission have announced the suspension of all Immigration Services until further notice.
• Saudi Arabia * GC.CA * The next Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca is expected to take place from July 17 to 22, 2021. Millions of Muslims are expected to make the pilgrimage, causing overcrowding at ritual sites and transportation disruptions.

Ebola News

• Democratic Republic of the Congo * Communicable disease threats report, 1-7 November 2020, week 45 * Ebola. Since the last update on 30 October, and as of 3 November 2020, no new cases or deaths have been reported from the Equateur Province in the DRC. The last confirmed case was reported on 28 September from Makanza Health Zone. The second RT-PCR result for the last case came back negative for Ebola on 6 October, hence as of 3 November, 15 days remain till the outbreak can be declared over. As there were clear challenges in the implementation of the Ebola response, this positive news must be taken with caution. Erratum: since week 42, some information provided in the Weekly Summary was inaccurate. In those reports, the outbreak was said to be ongoing, but there is no evidence of ongoing transmission.

Please note the revision date (mmddyy) of this report, printed on the title of the post, and go to the direct sources listed for the most up-to-date information.  The information in this report may change without prior notice.